Leverkusen, Germany-Bayer AG is to consolidate strategic and operational management of its Bayer MaterialScience unit in an executive committee consisting of the four members of the current BMS board and the heads of the individual business units.
"This move will sharpen the business focus of the management body and, at the same time, create a leaner hierarchy with shorter decision-making channels," explained Werner Wenning, Bayer chairman, in Bayer's 12 Feb announcement of the changes.
The new members of the executive committee are Peter Vanacker, head of the Polyurethanes Business Unit, Dr Günter Hilken, head of the Polycarbonates Business Unit, Dr Joachim Wolff, head of the Coatings, Adhesives, Sealants Business Unit, and Dr Tim Bielfeldt, head of the Thermoplastic Polyurethanes Business Unit
The move will give the leaders of the individual businesses a greater share of responsibility for the company's business, said Bayer's statement.
Bayer MaterialScience ceo Patrick Thomas will focus primarily on strategic issues and positioning the subgroup in the global market.
Board member Dr Tony Van Osselaer, until now responsible for, 'Production & Technology', will be in charge of, 'Industrial Operations' from 1 March 2007.
"Production is the backbone of our enterprise. Efficiency, reliability, technological leadership and safety are crucial to our success," said Thomas, in the Bayer statement. "That is why we have decided to bundle responsibility for overarching production-relevant functions, including procurement."
However, the business units will retain direct responsibility for production.
Board member Ian Paterson will remain responsible for, 'Marketing & Innovation'.
Prof Gottfried Plumpe, currently chief administration officer and labour director on Bayer MaterialScience's board, is leaving the company by mutual agreement after many years of valuable service. His successor will be appointed later, Bayer said.
PIC: Peter Vanacker, who joins the BMS executive committee."
